Plumbing guides for Los Angeles homeowners
Plain-English answers to the plumbing questions we hear most, from our licensed plumbers.
How to find your main water shutoff valveWhere to find the main water shutoff in a Los Angeles home, how to turn it off safely, and what to do if it’s stuck. A quick guide from TrueLine Plumbing.4 min read →7 signs of a slab leak, and what to do nextWarm floors, a jump in your water bill, running water sounds? Seven signs of a slab leak, how to check your water meter, and your repair options.5 min read →Tank vs. tankless water heater: which is right for your home?Upfront cost, hot water supply, lifespan, space and installation surprises. A plain-English comparison of tank and tankless water heaters for Los Angeles homes.6 min read →Why your toilet keeps running, and how to stop itA running toilet can waste about 200 gallons a day. The four usual causes, a simple food-coloring test, and when to call a plumber.5 min read →What to do when your sewer backs upSewage coming up a drain? Stop using water, stay safe, check whether it’s just your home, and call a plumber. A step-by-step guide for LA homeowners.5 min read →Galvanized pipes: how to tell if you have them, and when to repipeGalvanized steel water pipes rust from the inside, causing low pressure, rusty water and leaks. How to identify them in your LA home and when repiping makes sense.5 min read →How to flush a tank water heaterFlush your water heater once a year to clear hard-water sediment and help it last longer. Step-by-step for gas and electric tanks, plus when to call a pro.6 min read →9 things you should never put down a drainGrease, wipes, coffee grounds and more. The nine most common causes of clogged drains and sewer backups, and what to do with them instead.5 min read →Earthquake-ready plumbing for Los Angeles homesWater heater straps, flexible gas connectors, earthquake shutoff valves and knowing your shutoffs. How to get your plumbing ready for the next big quake in LA.6 min read →What hard water does to your plumbing in Los AngelesMuch of LA’s water is hard. How mineral scale affects water heaters, faucets and pipes, the signs to look for, and simple ways to protect your plumbing.5 min read →Why is my water pressure low? 7 common causesLow water pressure in one faucet or the whole house? Seven common causes in Los Angeles homes, what you can check yourself, and when to call a plumber.5 min read →Water heater leaking? What to do right nowWater around your water heater? How to shut it off safely, find where the leak is coming from, and decide between repair and replacement.5 min read →Why does my drain smell?Sewer smell in the bathroom or a rotten smell from the kitchen sink? The common causes, simple fixes you can try, and when it points to a bigger problem.4 min read →Tree roots in your sewer line: signs and fixesRoots are a leading cause of sewer backups in older LA homes. How they get in, the warning signs, and the options for clearing and repairing the line.5 min read →Do you need a permit for plumbing work in Los Angeles?Which plumbing jobs usually need a permit in Los Angeles, which usually don’t, how inspections work, and why permits protect you when you sell.5 min read →What to do if you smell gas at homeSmell rotten eggs at home? Get out first, then call SoCalGas or 911 from outside. What to do, what not to do, and what happens next.4 min read →No hot water? What to check before you call a plumberNo hot water at home? Simple checks for gas, electric and tankless water heaters, the warning signs to watch for, and when it’s time to call a plumber.5 min read →Garbage disposal not working? How to reset and unjam itGarbage disposal humming, silent or leaking? How to safely unjam it with a hex key, use the reset button, and know when it needs a repair or replacement.4 min read →Toilet overflowing? What to do right nowToilet about to overflow? How to stop the water in seconds, clear the clog safely, clean up, and tell a simple clog from a sewer line problem.4 min read →How to unclog a drain without harsh chemicalsSlow sink or shower drain? Safe ways to clear it with a plunger, by pulling out hair, cleaning the trap or using a drain snake, and when a clog means more.5 min read →
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